Fender Jazzmaster -  A brief history and popular models

The Jazzmaster was introduced in 1958 as Fender's top of the line model and was intended to allow Fender to enter the electric jazz market. Fender designed the pickups to produce a deeper mellower tone than the popular Stratocaster and Telecaster models. Jazz players did not particularly like the guitar however it proved very popular with "surf" bands of the time. It had a pleasing contoured body and 2 pickups.  It was discontinued in 1982 however there was a reissue version in 1987.  The body style was carried over to the Jaguar which appeared in 1961.

The 1958 Jazzmaster

Upon introduction the Jazzmaster featured an Alder contoured body, sunburst finish, Rosewood fingerboard, and two pickups. 

The 1961 Fender Jazzmaster

This is a rather unusual silver sparkle color.  This is the last year for a slab rosewood fingerboard.

The 1963 Fender Jazzmaster

A nice red Jazzmaster.  The finger board is now veneer Rosewood rather than a slab board fingerboard (a change made in 1962).  In 64 the clay dot inlays are changed to pearl inlays.